Complexes for Nucleophilic, Radical, and Electrophilic Polyfluoroalkylation

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are borazine complexes and use of the same in perfluoroalkylation reactions.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under grant number Fo35579, awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

The conversion of chemical waste streams into valuable complex molecules is a grand challenge in chemical synthesis. One of the most underutilized waste streams is fluoroform (HCF₃), a potent greenhouse gas and a byproduct of the Teflon industry. Although this gas contains the trifluoromethyl functional group (CF₃), whose extreme lipophilicity and resistance to degradation makes it indispensable in medicinal chemistry, it is currently incinerated rather than used as a CF₃ feedstock because of its strong C—H bond and unstable CF₃ ⁻ anion. Additionally, current methods for installing the CF₃ group in organic molecules generate substantial waste byproducts, present significant operational challenges, and are cost-prohibitive in large-scale applications. For these reasons, a longstanding goal in synthetic chemistry has been the development of new trifluoromethylation reagents with: (1) economic preparation at ambient temperature from HCF₃, (2) very high inherent reactivity, and (3) minimal waste generation. Disclosed herein is a CF₃ ⁻ transfer reagent satisfying these criteria, developed through the application of a new conceptual framework. The prior state of the art for the transformation of HCF₃ into useful trifluoromethylation reagents required the use of expensive bulky bases and strong Lewis acids (LA). These reagents must be irreversibly activated prior to CF₃ ⁻ transfer, resulting in destruction of the Lewis acid and generation of stoichiometric waste. It is shown that a highly reactive CF₃ ⁻ adduct can be synthesized from alkali metal hydride, HCF3, and borazine Lewis acids in quantitative yield at room temperature. The reagents possess Grignard-like nucleophilicity and thermal stability without additional chemical activation, and after CF3 transfer the free borazine is quantitatively regenerated. These features expand the scope of nucleophilic trifluoromethylation to new classes of substrates and enable rapid (<30 minute) synthesis of popular nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagents with complete recycling of the borazine Lewis acid.

The trifluoromethyl functional group is widely used in medicinal chemistry to enhance the bioavailability, lipophilicity, and resistance to oxidative degradation of drug molecules. However, the trifluoromethylation of complex organic compounds is difficult because of the instability of isolated CF₃ fragments, generally low reactivity of CF₃ ligands in organometallic cross-coupling, and the absence of any synthetic biology approaches for its incorporation. Unlike other alkyl groups, which can be readily transferred to electrophilic substrates using robust organolithium and Grignard reagents, analogous LiCF₃ and MgCF₃ reagents are not stable because they irreversibly eliminate fluoride at −80° C. However, CF₃ ⁻ can be stabilized through the formation of a Lewis acid (LA)-CF₃ adduct; this strategy forms the basis of all popularly used nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagents.

Unfortunately, CF₃ ⁻ reagents stabilized by strong Lewis acids lack the synthetic versatility, economic preparation, and atom efficiency needed for large-scale use. Strong LA-CF₃ adducts such as SiMe₃CF₃ possess little inherent reactivity and must be irreversibly activated with exogenous nucleophiles (e.g. F—) to effect CF₃ transfer, resulting in stoichiometric waste byproducts. Despite twenty years of optimization, the cost of common LA-CF3 reagents still limits their use in large-scale processes.

Fluoroform (HCF₃), a byproduct of Teflon manufacturing (<$0.10/mole), is an attractive alternative starting material for preparing CF₃ transfer reagents. If HCF₃ and recyclable Lewis acids could be used to generate LA-CF₃ reagents in economically efficient, single-step reactions that generate minimal waste, it may dramatically lower the cost of synthesizing trifluoromethylated drug compounds. In addition to simultaneously reducing the cost of the trifluoromethyl group in large-scale processes and putting a greenhouse gas to productive use, this strategy could also present opportunities for expanding the scope of trifluoromethylation reactions.

The trifluoromethyl functional group is ubiquitous in drugs and fine chemicals. The unstable anion CF₃— is a common intermediate in nucleophilic trifluoromethylation reactions, and its stabilization by strong silane Lewis acids has enabled the design of successful CF₃— reagents. However, these reagents remain expensive because their synthesis from cheap HCF₃ has demanded strong, bulky amide or phosphazene bases capable of both deprotonating HCF₃ and avoiding adduct formation with the strong Lewis acids needed to stabilize the CF₃ ⁻ anion. Additionally, their use generates unavoidable silicon-containing waste products because the release of reactive CF₃ ⁻ is triggered by the irreversible formation of a strong Si—O or Si—F bond. If reactive and recyclable CF₃ ⁻ reagents could be synthesized using low-cost HCF₃ and simple alkoxide or hydride bases, it could lead to a significant reduction in the cost of installing the trifluoromethyl group. It is shown herein that a highly reactive, but stable, CF₃ ⁻ adduct can be synthesized from potassium toluide or sodium/potassium hydride, HCF₃, and the weak Lewis acid borazine in >95% yield at room temperature. It is a powerful nucleophilic reagent with reactivity strongly resembling a Grignard reagent, allowing it to trifluoromethylate a wide variety of polar unsaturated bonds in organic compounds, electron-deficient aromatic halides and pseudohalides, and diverse transition metal and main group element substrates with complete regeneration of the free borazine Lewis acid. Among the trifluoromethylation products are the principal reagents used for the four major classes of direct trifluoromethylation reactions: trifluoromethyl trimethylsilane (CF₃ anion source), KSO₂CF₃ (CF₃ radical source), Togni I (CF₃ cation source), and CuCF₃ (cross coupling reagent). Through sequential reagent addition, borazine can be used as a recyclable Lewis acid catalyst. One borazine Lewis acid can be prepared on a kilogram scale from ethanolamine and boric acid and hydrolyzes in water to non-toxic substances, enabling large-scale applications. Using the disclosed methodology, it is now possible to trifluoromethylate diverse substrates using fluoroform and inexpensive bases, enabling a large reduction in the cost of installing the trifluoromethyl group in industrial and laboratory settings. The disclosed strategy of using a fine-tuned borazine Lewis acid to stabilize the trifluoromethyl anion can be applicable to the stabilization of other unstable anions generated using inexpensive bases, and that the stability of the borazine ring to decomposition will enable diverse catalytic applications.

The inert industrial waste gas fluoroform (HCF₃) is the most inexpensive source of the medicinally valuable trifluoromethyl functional group, but its weak acidity, strong C—H bond, and unstable CF₃ ⁻ anion have prevented practical applications of this reagent from becoming a reality. Of these troublesome properties, the most problematic is the instability of CF₃ ⁻ to fluoride elimination, occurring at temperatures as low as −80° C. While certain favorable organic substrates can still be trifluoromethylated in modest yield at such low temperatures, the CF₃ ⁻ anion has required stabilization by a strong Lewis acid to enable practical applications beyond the alkylation of simple ketones and aldehydes. Such Lewis-stabilized CF₃— adducts have become ubiquitous trifluoromethylation reagents in recent years, providing ready access to nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic trifluoromethylation reactivity. Despite their popularity, they remain expensive because of the two key dilemmas preventing their economic synthesis from HCF₃: the strong base needed to deprotonate HCF₃ (pka >28 in DMSO) must be compatible with the strong Lewis acids used to stabilize CF₃ ⁻, and the Lewis acid itself must not first abstract a fluoride ion from CF₃ ⁻.

To address these dilemmas, expensive, bulky bases such as KHMDS (pKa=30) and P4-tBu (pKa=40) along with low temperatures (−80° C.) have been used to activate HCF₃ and generate stable Lewis acid adducts, but only SiR₃CF₃ (80%), KBF₃CF₃ (53%), and KSO₃CF₃ (18%) can be made with this methodology. The only example of HCF₃ derived CF₃— metal complexes using inexpensive bases is Grushin's “CuCF₃” solution, which requires excess base, the toxic solvent DMF, and treatment with hydrofluoric acid. Three other metal complexes can be synthesized through stoichiometric reactions with HCF₃, but are impractically expensive: Zn(CF₃)₂ can be prepared from Zn(TMP)₂, Pd(dppp)PhCF₃ from the metal hydroxide, and highly unstable Ir(PCP)(H)(CF₃) through oxidative addition to the C—H bond; catalytic reactions with these four compounds have not been reported. These strategies have significantly advanced HCF3 activation chemistry and reduced reliance on syntheses using ozone-depleting CF₃I to generate CF₃ ⁻ reagents such as SiMe₃CF₃, but the high expense of the required bases, unwanted waste from strong Lewis acids, stoichiometric metals/salts, low temperatures, and low generality have combined to prevent significant reductions in the cost of organic and inorganic trifluoromethylation reactions.

In contrast with current strategies, which employ strong ionic Lewis acids such as TMSCl to stabilize CF₃ ⁻, described herein are design neutral, weak Lewis acids that could avoid irreversible reactions with inexpensive, sterically unhindered bases while still providing optimal stabilization to HCF₃ derived CF₃ ⁻. Importantly, it is hypothesized that a precisely tuned Lewis acidity could provide sufficient stability to CF₃ ⁻ to prevent fluoride elimination while still providing high CF₃ ⁻ nucleophilicity. These optimized reagents offer the potential for room temperature HCF₃ activation, regeneration of the free Lewis acid after high-yielding CF₃ ⁻ transfer, and tolerance of cheap, unhindered strong bases, providing superior reactivity and economy while minimizing waste.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is a complex having a structure of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5-7-membered ring; R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5-membered ring; Y is C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl; and M comprises a counterion. In various embodiments, the complex is chiral.

In various embodiments, R¹ is NR³R⁴. In various embodiments, R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy. In some embodiments, R¹ is methoxy. In various embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is methyl. In various embodiments, R² is C₁₋₄alkyl. In various cases, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring. In some cases, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring. In various cases, the ring is substituted. In some cases, R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—. In some cases, R¹ is CH₃, OCH₃, N(CH₃)₂, or R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—.

In various cases, Y comprises one or more ¹⁸F. In various cases, Y is C₁₋₃perfluoroalkyl. In some cases, Y is CF₃, CHF₂, or C₂F₅. In some cases, Y is CF₃. In various embodiments, M comprises Na, K, Rb, Cs, or NH₄.

In various cases, the complex further comprises a crown ether. In some cases, the crown ether is 18-crown-6 or 15-crown-5.

In various embodiments, the complex has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

Also provided herein is a method comprising: contacting a base, a Lewis acid, and H—C₁₋₈perfluoroalkane to form a complex of the Lewis acid and —C₁₋₈perfluoroalkane; wherein the Lewis acid is B(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃ or has a structure of formula (II):

R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-7-membered ring; and R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5 membered ring. In various cases, R¹ is NR³R⁴. In some cases, R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl. In some cases, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy. In some cases, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl. In various cases, R² is C₁₋₄alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring.

In various embodiments, the base is KDMSO, NaDMSO, KOC(CH₃)₃, KCH₂Ph, KH, NaH, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the base comprises KDMSO. In some embodiments, the base comprises NaDMSO.

In various cases, the Lewis acid is

In some cases, the Lewis acid is

In some cases, the Lewis acid is

In some cases, the Lewis acid is B(OMe)₃.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl)(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.

In various cases, the method further comprises perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl)(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate. In some cases, the method further comprises oxidizing the perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroheteraromatic compound. In some cases, the method further comprises admixing the perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate and an electrophile to form a dearomatized product substituted with (i) a substituent from the electrophile and (ii) a perfluoroalkyl group.

In various embodiments, the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is activated by a Lewis acid. In some embodiments, the heteroaromatic compound comprises a pyridine, quinoline, pyrimidine, or triazine ring. In various embodiments, the Lewis acid is regenerated.

In various cases, the method further comprises reacting the complex with a reagent to form a perfluoroalkylating reagent and regenerate the Lewis acid. In various cases, the method further comprises isolating the regenerated Lewis acid. In some cases, the isolating comprises extraction. In some cases, the isolating comprises distillation.

In various embodiments, the reagent is selected from the group consisting of P(Ar)₂L, Pd(TMEDA)(Ar)L, ZnL₂, Zn(TMEDA)L₂, Bi(L)₃, Ph₂S₂, Ph₂Se₂, LCN, CO₂, CuL, AgL, SnMe₃L, PbMe₃L, Au(iPr)L, S₈, trialkylsilyl-L, SO₂, an iodonium(III) reagent, Te, and Se; each L independently is Cl, Br, I, NO₃, OSO₂Ar, or OSO₂CF₃; and Ar is aryl. In some embodiments, the iodonium reagent is

In some embodiments, the perfluoroalkylating reagent is

In various embodiments, the perfluoroalkylating reagent is P(Ar)₂CF₃, Zn(CF₃)₂, Pd(TMEDA)(Tol)CF3, CuCF₃, AgCF₃, SnMe₃CF₃, SiMe₃CF₃, PbMe₃CF₃, Au(iPr)CF₃, Zn(TMEDA)(CF₃)₂, Bi(CF₃)₂Cl, PhSCF₃, PhSeCF₃, BrCF₃, CO₂CF₃ ⁻, SO₂CF₃ ⁻, SCF₃ ⁻, TeCF₃ ⁻, or SeCF₃ ⁻.

In various cases, the contacting or reacting occurs in a polar, aprotic solvent. In some cases, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises DMSO. In some cases, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises THF. In some cases, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises an ether.

In various embodiments, the contacting and/or reacting is at a temperature of −10 to 30° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is 20-25° C.

In various cases, the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane is HC₁₋₃perfluoroalkane. In some cases, the HC₁₋₈ perfluororalkane is fluoroform. In some cases, the HC₁₋₈ perfluororalkane is difluoromethane. In various cases, the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane comprises one or more ¹⁸F.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing a perfluoroalkylating reagent described herein with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.

In various embodiments, the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is an NO₂- or Cl-substituted aromatic compound (Ar—NO₂ or Ar—Cl) or NO₂- or Cl-substituted heteroaromatic compound (Het-NO₂ or Het-Cl) which is then substituted for the perfluoroalkyl group to form Ar-perfluoroalkyl or Het-perfluoroalkyl.

In various embodiments, the Ar—Cl or Het-Cl, at the chloro carbon, is disubstituted with the perfluoroalkylating reagent as shown in the scheme below

In various embodiments, the method further comprises perfluoroalkylating a carbonyl or imine compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or the perfluoroalkylating reagent of claims 44 or 45 with the carbonyl or imine compound to form a perfluoroalkylated alcohol or perfluoroalkylated amine as shown in the scheme below:

and R^(a) is H or a C₁₋₈alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(a) is H. In various embodiments, R^(a) is C₁₋₈alkyl.

In various cases, the carbonyl compound is an aldehyde. In various cases, the carbonyl compound is a ketone. In some cases, the carbonyl compound is an isocyanate or isothiocyanate. In some cases, the carbonyl compound is an acid chloride. In various cases, the carbonyl compound is a carbonate. In various cases, the carbonyl compound is an acid anhydride. In various cases, the carbonyl compound is an ester.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows challenges and solutions associated with HCF₃ activation (E=electrophile).

FIG. 1B shows the rational selection of Lewis acids for HCF₃ activation through a complementary theoretical/experimental approach. pK_(CF) ₃ =log₁₀(K) for the binding affinity of a given Lewis acid for CF₃— as compared to DMF (pK_(CF) ₃ (DMF)=0).

FIG. 2 shows inorganic trifluoromethylation reactions using complex 1 with a variety of electrophiles.

FIG. 3 shows various specific organic trifluoromethylation reactions using complexes 1 and 3.

FIG. 4 shows the synthesis of CF₃ ⁻, CF₃., and CF₃ ⁺ reagents from HCF₃.

FIG. 5 shows direct nucleophilic addition/oxidation of heteroaromatic compounds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are borazine complexes (which are alternatively referred to as compounds) containing a perfluoroalkyl anion and methods of using the same in perfluoroalkylation reactions.

A challenge for the economic synthesis of LA-CF₃ ⁻ reagents from HCF₃ is poor compatibility between components of the reaction mixture. The Lewis acid and Brønsted base must coexist in solution prior to HCF₃ addition because the CF₃ ⁻ anion is unstable. Furthermore, the strong base needed to deprotonate HCF₃ (pKa >28 in DMSO) cannot irreversibly react with the Lewis acid, and the Lewis acid itself must not promote CF₃ ⁻ defluorination (FIG. 1A). In the last decade, two primary strategies have emerged to provide compatible pairs of Lewis acids and bases: the use of steric bulk to separate reactive Lewis acidic and basic centers (steric control), and the use of Lewis pairs with mismatched strength between Lewis acidic and basic centers to enable reversible adduct formation (electronic control). Recently, steric control has been used to activate HCF₃ in a stepwise mechanism using a mixture of very bulky bases (potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS) and phosphazene superbases) and Lewis acids such as SiMe₃Cl. However, this strategy is inherently limited by the high expense of the required bases, cryogenic temperatures, and low generality. Additionally, the instability of the CF₃ ⁻ intermediate requires the combination of KHMDS and electrophiles prior to addition of HCF₃, leading to undesired competing pathways that limit the scope of this reaction to simple electrophiles.

In contrast with the use of steric bulk at the base, provided herein is a system for HCF₃ activation using neutral, weak Lewis acids to avoid irreversible reactions with cheap bases and provide optimal stabilization of CF₃ ⁻ (FIG. 1A). While not being bound by theory, it was hypothesized that a precisely tuned Lewis acid could be readily recyclable, impart Grignard-like CF₃ ⁻ nucleophilicity to a LA-CF₃ adduct, and prevent fluoride elimination from CF₃ ⁻ at room temperature. This represents a distinct concept in fluoroform activation: no systematic approach for the selection of Lewis acids capable of providing these three desirable properties has been reported.

Low-cost alkali metal hydride derived bases (NaH: $0.10/mole, KH: $35/mole) were used for HCF₃ deprotonation, along with boron-based Lewis acids. This class of Lewis acids has a wide range of Lewis acidities and high natural abundance. A widely used solvent, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), reacts with alkali hydrides to produce the highly reactive dimsyl anion (DMSO⁻, pKa=35). The CF₃ ⁻ affinity of a variety of boron Lewis acids was assessed computationally and tabulated in the form of pKCF₃ values as a unified scale of CF₃ ⁻ affinity. These data were used to select a set of Lewis acids representing a 20 pKCF₃ span for experimental evaluation: [DMSO]⁻ and each Lewis acid were combined at room temperature, HCF₃ gas was added (1 atm), and the reaction was assessed by ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. Lewis acids with pKCF₃ values above 11 exhibited irreversible coordination to [DMSO]⁻, and did not react with HCF3. Conversely, Lewis acids with pKCF₃ values below 6 were insufficiently Lewis acidic to stabilize the CF₃ ⁻ anion resulting from HCF₃ deprotonation, leading to immediate decomposition (FIG. 1B). As such, Lewis acids having a pKCF₃ value between 6 and 11 are specifically contemplated.

Certain of the complexes as disclosed herein may exist as stereoisomers (i.e., isomers that differ only in the spatial arrangement of atoms) including optical isomers and conformational isomers (or conformers). The complexes disclosed herein include all stereoisomers, both as pure individual stereoisomer preparations and enriched preparations of each, and both the racemic mixtures of such stereoisomers as well as the individual diastereomers and enantiomers that may be separated according to methods that are known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the complexes disclosed herein include all tautomeric forms of the compounds.

Definitions

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to straight chained and branched hydrocarbon groups, including but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, and 2-ethybutyl. The term C_(m-n) means the alkyl group has “m” to “n” carbon atoms. The term “alkylene” refers to an alkyl group having a substituent. An alkyl (e.g., methyl), or alkylene (e.g., —CH₂—), group can be substituted with one or more, and typically one to three, of independently selected halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, cyano, alkylamino, or amino groups, for example.

The term “alkoxy” is defined as —OR, wherein R is alkyl.

The term “perfluoroalkyl” is an alkyl group that has all or most (e.g., at least 65%) of the hydrogen atoms substituted with fluorine atoms. The term C_(m-n) means the perfluoroalkyl group has “m” to “n” carbon atoms. In some cases, the perfluoroalkyl has 1 to 8, or 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In cases where a perfluoroalkyl group has a hydrogen atom, that hydrogen atom can be specified, such as, for example HC₁₋₈perfluoroalkane. Some specific examples of perfluoroalkyl groups contemplated include, but are not limited to, CF₃, CHF₂, CF₂CF₃, perfluoropropyl, perfluorobutyl, and perfluorohexyl.

As used herein, the term “counterion” refers to an ion associated with a charged species to maintain charge neutrality. Borazine compounds disclosed herein are negatively charged, and as such, have a positively charged counterion associated therewith. Examples of positively charged counterions include H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺.

As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to 5-, 6-, or 7-membered substituted or unsubstituted single-ring aromatic groups in which each atom of the ring is carbon, or to a polycyclic ring system having two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are common to two adjoining rings wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic, e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls, heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls. Specific aryl groups contemplated include, but are not limited to, benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenol, and aniline.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic), saturated or partially unsaturated, ring system containing three or more (e.g., three to twelve or three to eight) carbon atoms. Specifically contamplated examples include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. In some cases, the cycloalkyl is substituted.

As used herein, the term “anionic” refers to any moiety or group bearing a negative charge.

As used herein, the term “electrophile” refers to a compound which are capable of reacting with a perfluoroalkylated anion, e.g., via an addition, substitution, or protonation reaction. Contemplated electrophiles include, but are not limited to, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, H₂O, alkyl-OH, aromatic or α, β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, carbon dioxide, alkyl halides, and Lewis acids.

The term “substituted,” refers to moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on one or more non-hydrogen atoms of a specific moiety on a compound. It will be understood that “substitution” or “substituted with” includes the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc. As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and non-aromatic substituents of organic compounds. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this disclosure, the heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms. Substituents can include, for example, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, a halogen, a hydroxyl, a carbonyl (such as a carboxyl, an ester, a thioester, an alkoxycarbonyl, a formyl, or an acyl), a thiocarbonyl (such as a thioester, a thioacetate, or a thioformate), an alkoxyl, a phosphoryl, a phosphate, a phosphonate, a phosphinate, an amino, an amido, an amidine, an imine, a cyano, a nitro, an azido, a sulfhydryl, an alkylthio, a sulfate, a sulfonate, a sulfamoyl, a sulfonamido, a sulfonyl, a carbocyclyl (e.g., cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl), a heterocyclyl (e.g., heterocycloalkyl), an aralkyl, a heteroaralkyl, or an aromatic (i.e., aryl) or heteroaromatic (i.e., heteroaryl) moiety. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the moieties substituted on the hydrocarbon chain can themselves be substituted, if appropriate. In some embodiments, the substituent is a halogen, such as fluorine. When a chemical functional group includes more than one substituent, the substituents can be bound to the same carbon atom or to two or more different carbon atoms. A substituted chemical functional group can itself include one or more substituents.

The term “TMEDA” refers to tetramethylethylenediamine.

Complexes of Formula (I)

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a complex having a structure of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5-7-membered ring; R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5-membered ring; Y is C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl; and M is a counterion.

In some embodiments, R¹ is NR³R⁴. In some embodiments, R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy. In some embodiments, R¹ is methoxy. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl. For example, R¹ is methyl, ethyl, or propyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is CH₃, OCH₃, N(CH₃)₂, or R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—.

In various embodiments, R² is C₁₋₄alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring. In some cases, the ring is substituted. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—.

The complexes disclosed herein can also be chiral.

In various embodiments, Y comprises one or more ¹⁸F atoms. In some embodiments, Y is C₁₋₃perfluoroalkyl. For example, Y can be CF₃, CHF₂, or C₂F₅. In some cases, Y is CF₃.

In some embodiments, M comprises Na, K, Rb, Cs, or NH₄.

The complexes disclosed herein can also comprise a crown ether. In some cases, the crown ether is 18-crown-6 or 15-crown-5.

For example, the complex can have a structure selected from the group consisting of:

Method of Using Compounds Disclosed Herein

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method comprising: contacting a base, a Lewis acid, and H—C₁₋₈perfluoroalkane to form a complex of the Lewis acid and a C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl; wherein the Lewis acid is B(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃ or has a structure of formula (II):

R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-7-membered ring; R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5 membered ring.

In various embodiments, the contacting or reacting occurs in a polar, aprotic solvent. In some cases, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises DMSO. In some cases, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises THF. In some embodiments, the polar, aprotic solvent comprises an ether. In various embodiments, the contacting and/or reacting is at a temperature of −10 to 30° C. For example, the temperature is 20-25° C.

Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, KDMSO, NaDMSO, KOC(CH₃)₃, KCH₂Ph, KH, NaH, or a mixture thereof. In some cases, the base comprises KDMSO. In other cases, the base comprises NaDMSO.

In various embodiments, the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane is HC₁₋₃perfluoroalkane. For example, the HC₁₋₈ perfluororalkane can be fluoroform (HCF₃), H₂CF₂, HCF₂CF₃, or HCF₂CF₂CF₃. In some cases, the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane comprises one or more ¹⁸F atoms.

In some embodiments, R¹ is NR³R⁴. In some of these cases, R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl. For example, R³ and R⁴ can each independently be methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl. In various embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, or propoxy). In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl. For example, R¹ can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

In various embodiments, R² is C₁₋₄alkyl. For example, R² can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring. For example, R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring.

In various embodiments, the Lewis acid is

For example, the Lewis acid is

In some cases, the Lewis acid is

In other cases, the Lewis acid is B(OMe)₃.

The method can further comprise perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing a complex described herein or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl)(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.

The method can further comprise perfluoroalkylating the C—H bond in an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound, including but not limited to pyridine, quinoline, pyrimidine, or triazine-containing compounds, which may or may not be activated by a Lewis acid, to form anionic intermediates that may either be oxidized to perfluoroalkylated arenes or further functionalized with electrophilic species such as benzyl bromide to produce dearomatized products, by admixing a complex described herein or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl) (C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkyl compound.

The method can further comprise regenerating the Lewis acid. In various cases, the regenerated Lewis acid is isolated. In some cases, the isolating comprises extraction. In other cases, the isolating comprises distillation.

The method can further comprise reacting the complex with a reagent to form a perfluoroalkylating reagent and regenerate the Lewis acid. Suitable reagents include, but are not limited to, P(Ar)₂L, Pd(TMEDA)(Ar)L, ZnL₂, Zn(TMEDA)L₂, Bi(CF₃)₂Cl, Ph₂S₂, Ph₂Se₂, LCN, CO₂, CuL, AgL, SnMe₃L, PbMe₃L, Au(iPr)L, S₈, trialkylsilyl-L, SO₂, an iodonium(III) reagent, Te, and Se; each L independently is Cl, Br, I, NO₃, OSO₂Ar, or OSO₂CF₃; and Ar is aryl. For example, the iodonium reagent can be

In some embodiments, the perfluoroalkylating reagent is

In various embodiments, the perfluoroalkylating reagent is P(Ar)₂CF₃, Zn(CF₃)₂, Pd(TMEDA)(Tol)CF3, CuCF₃, AgCF₃, SnMe₃CF₃, SiMe₃CF₃, PbMe₃CF₃, Au(iPr)CF₃, Zn(TMEDA)(CF₃)₂, BiCl₃, PhSCF₃, PhSeCF₃, BrCF₃, CO₂CF₃ ⁻, SO₂CF₃ ⁻, SCF₃ ⁻, TeCF₃ ⁻, or SeCF₃ ⁻. The method can further comprise perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the perfluoroalkylating reagent as disclosed herein with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.

In various embodiments, the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is an NO₂- or Cl-substituted aromatic compound (Ar—NO₂ or Ar—Cl) or NO₂- or Cl-substituted heteroaromatic compound (Het-NO₂ or Het-Cl) which is then substituted for the perfluoroalkyl group to form Ar-perfluoroalkyl or Het-perfluoroalkyl. In some cases, the Ar—Cl or Het-Cl, at the chloro carbon, is disubstituted with the perfluoroalkylating reagent, breaking aromaticity of the aryl or heteroaryl compound, as shown in the scheme below

The method can further comprise perfluoroalkylating a carbonyl or imine compound by admixing a complex or a perfluoroalkylating reagent disclosed herein with the carbonyl or imine compound to form a perfluoroalkylated alcohol or perfluoroalkylated amine as shown in the scheme below:

and R^(a) is H or a C₁₋₈alkyl. Suitable carbonyl compounds include, but are not limited to, aldehydes, ketones, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, acid chlorides, carbonates, acid anhydrides, and esters. In some embodiments, R^(a) is H. In some embodiments, R^(a) is C₁₋₈alkyl, e.g., methyl, ethyl, butyl, or octyl.

Use of Compounds Disclosed Herein to Synthesize Perfluoroalkylating Agents

The complexes disclosed herein can be used in a variety of chemical transformations to introduce one or more perfluoralkyl groups to a reagent. For example, the complexes can be transmetalated with various Lewis acids (e.g., TMSCl, CuI, ZnCl₂) to form metalated perfluoroalkyl nucleophiles (e.g., TMSCF₃, CuCF₃, Zn(CF₃)₂). The complexes can also react with heteroatom-centered electrophiles (e.g., S₈, Ph₂S₂) to form heteroatom-substituted perfluoroalkanes (e.g., KSCF₃, PhSCF₃).

For example, three Lewis acids showed both reversible KDMSO coordination and deprotonation of HCF₃ to produce room temperature stable LA-CF₃ adducts, K(B₃N₃Me₆)CF₃ (1), K(B(OMe)₃)CF₃ (2), and K(BOC₂H₄N)₃CF₃ (3), in greater than 95% yield. These Lewis acids are extremely inexpensive; B(OMe)₃ is a commodity chemical (<$1/mole), and B₃N₃Me₆ and (BOC₂H₄N)₃ can be synthesized from cheap, simple starting materials. Worth noting is that 2 is a commonly used but currently expensive CF₃ ⁻ reagent with many reported applications. Solutions of 1 and 3 are oxygen-stable, decompose on exposure to moisture, and their thermal decomposition returns the free Lewis acid. Solutions of 1 were also prepared in tetrahydrofuran (THF) by combining benzyl potassium, B₃N₃Me₆, 18-crown-6, and HCF₃ in THF at 0° C. for five minutes; from this solution, 1 was obtained as a weighable solid in 95% yield and was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.

The isolated adduct 1 is a highly reactive source of nucleophilic CF₃ ⁻, and reacts cleanly with a wide variety of organic and inorganic electrophiles at room temperature (FIG. 2). Generation of metal-CF₃ complexes from HCF₃ has historically required excess base, toxic solvents such as dimethylformamide, and/or stabilization with Brønsted acids. Much like a Grignard reagent, 1 cleanly transfers CF₃ ⁻ to metal complexes such as Pd(TMEDA)(Tol)I, AgNO₃, CuI, SnMe₃Cl, PbMe₃Br, Au(iPr)Cl, and Zn(TMEDA)Cl₂ to generate Pd(TMEDA)(Tol)CF3, CuCF3, SnMe₃CF₃, AgCF₃, PbMe₃CF₃, Au(iPr)CF₃, and Zn(TMEDA)(CF₃)₂ within 10 minutes; the CuCF₃ solution can be directly used in a cross-coupling reaction to provide trifluoromethylbiphenyl in high yield. 1 also reacts with many inorganic main-group compounds. In agreement with the calculated pKCF₃ values, 1 transfers CF₃ ⁻ to B(OMe)₃ in high yield to afford 2. Nucleophilic reactions also proceed with PPh₂Cl, BiCl₃, BrCN, and CO₂ to afford PPh₂CF₃, Bi(CF₃)₂Cl, CF₃Br, and KCO₂CF₃ in excellent yield. Metal-catalyzed trifluoromethylation reactions are often limited by currently available LA-CF₃ reagents, which are either insufficiently strong CF₃ ⁻ nucleophiles or undergo unproductive side reactions with competing nucleophiles and electrophiles. With few exceptions, the performance of 1 in inorganic trifluoromethylations far exceeds that of previously reported CF₃ ⁻ reagents (KB(OMe)₃CF₃, SiMe₃CF₃/KF) and HCF₃ activation methodologies (KOtBu/DMF/HCF₃, KHMDS/HCF₃) because it lacks competing —O, —N, and —F nucleophilic sites.

Use of Compounds Disclosed Herein as Perfluoroalkylating Agents

Inorganic Reactions:

The disclosed complexes can be used in chemical reactions on inorganic starting material. For example, elemental sulfur, selenium, and tellurium are inexpensive and attractive targets for nucleophilic trifluoromethylation. The —SCF₃ and —SeCF₃ functional groups are more lipophilic than CF₃ itself, and have become increasingly important in medicinal chemistry. Recently, the synthesis of SCF₃ ⁻ was attempted from HCF₃ and elemental sulfur using a HCF₃/KHMDS system at −80° C., but only partially reacted [SnCF₃]⁻ oligomers were obtained in 18% yield. It was hypothesized that the stability and high nucleophilicity of 1 would allow a higher reaction temperature in which S₈, Se, and Te are more soluble and can be completely consumed to produce SCF₃ ⁻, SeCF₃ ⁻, and TeCF₃ ⁻ rather than partially reacted oligomers. Indeed, 1 reacts cleanly with elemental sulfur, selenium, and tellurium to produce SCF₃ ⁻, SeCF₃ ⁻, and TeCF₃ ⁻ at room temperature; these anions can undergo subsequent one pot alkylation with a benzyl bromide in 87%, 68%, and 60% isolated yields (FIG. 2), respectively. Additionally, disulfides and diselenides react cleanly with 1, generating trifluoromethyl thio- and seleno-ethers in good yield. Previously inaccessible inorganic main group congeners can be accessed using the disclosed complexes and methods, including trifluoromethyltellurium ethers.

Organic Reactions:

The disclosed complexes can be used in chemical reactions on organic starting material. For example, 1 and 3 exhibit Grignard-like reactivity with organic substrates (FIG. 3). Non-enolizable aldehydes, ketones, esters, acid chlorides, imines, carbonates, isocyanates, trifluoromethyl ketones, alkynyl ketones, and vinyl ketones are all rapidly trifluoromethylated at room temperature. The lower pKCF₃ value of B₃N₃Me₆ as compared to B(OMe)₃ translates to significantly higher reactivity of 1 as compared to 2: benzophenone is trifluoromethylated in quantitative yield in 30 minutes at room temperature while 2 provides only 2% yield under identical conditions. 1, and 3 are stable, one-component solutions without competing nucleophilic sites and should provide an economic and operational advantage to KB(OMe)₃CF₃ (2), SiMe₃CF₃/CsF or K(DMF.CF₃), which are weak nucleophiles, generate stoichiometric waste, or require low temperatures, respectively.

The high CF₃ ⁻ nucleophilicity of 1 suggests that it may transfer CF₃ ⁻ to electron-deficient aromatic compounds. Nucleophilic aromatic functionalization can be broadly divided between two classes, nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) and organometallic cross-coupling. These orthogonalo methods, which rely on different leaving groups, are widely used in complex molecule synthesis. However, with the exception of extremely electrophilic perfluorinated arenes nucleophilic aromatic trifluoromethylation reactions have only been demonstrated through organometallic cross-coupling; efficient SNAr trifluoromethylation reactivity is unknown because prior LA-CF3 reagents lack sufficient stability and nucleophilicity. The potent nucleophilicity of 1 enables the first high yielding SNAr reactions with sp2 centers in benzenes, pyridines, pyrimidines, and triazines. Notably, 1,4-dinitrobenzene and 2-nitro-5-phenylpyridine undergo SNAr reactions with 1, effectively transforming an aromatic nitro group into a trifluoromethyl group in an unprecedented functional group interconversion, while perfluorotoluene reacts with 1 to provide perfluoroxylene.

Although pyridine derivatives that contain good leaving groups in the 2- or 4-position can undergo classical SNAr reactions, unsubstituted pyridines do not normally react with CF₃ ⁻. However, electrophilic functionalization of the nitrogen atom with Lewis acids can dramatically increase the susceptibility to nucleophilic addition of CF3-; subsequent oxidation can rearomatize the substrate in a net C—H trifluoromethylation. This was recently demonstrated using two approaches to N-functionalization: activation by the strong Lewis acid B(C₆F₄CF₃)₃ followed by SiMe₃CF₃/F⁻ (for 4-selective CF₃ ⁻ addition) or addition of BF₂CF₃ to a pyridine N-oxide (for 2-selective CF₃ ⁻ addition). These activation protocols necessarily require expensive stoichiometric reagents, nucleophilic SiMe₃CF₃ activators that may quench Lewis acids, and/or aggressive oxidants needed to generate a pyridine N-oxide. The use of a single-component, stable, and highly nucleophilic CF₃ ⁻ reagent should enable selective dearomatizing trifluoromethylations using commercially available Lewis acids and without using pyridine N-oxide substrates. Addition of 1 to quinoline substrates activated by BF3 or B(C6F5)3, followed by oxidation with DDQ, leads to either 2- or 4-C—H trifluoromethylated products with high selectivity (95-83%) and good yields. With highly electron-deficient pyridines such as 5-nitro-2-fluoropyridine, a reaction with 1 occurs without the use of any exogenous Lewis acid to provide trifluoromethylated products, and treatment with methyl iodide affords isolation of the dearomatized 4-trifluoromethylated dihydroamide (2-step isolated yield: 20%). Overall, this simple and low cost approach to heterocycle C—H trifluoromethylation uses only HCF₃, base, and cheap, commercially available Lewis acids as consumed reagents.

A unique aspect of the CF₃ ⁻ nucleophile in SNAr reactions is that upon trifluoromethylation of an aryl halide, the substrate becomes more rather than less activated to subsequent nucleophilic addition. Thus, it is hypothesized that it may be possible to transform electron-deficient aromatic halides into dearomatized geminal bis(trifluoromethylated) products, a structurally unique motif in organic chemistry. Triazines and quinazolines react with 1 to provide the geminal bis(trifluoromethylated) products, which can then react with electrophiles and nucleophiles in selective, one-pot cascade reactions to make highly decorated products. To demonstrate the utility of this novel transformation, trichloroquinazoline was combined with 2 equiv. 1, then 1 equiv. benzyl bromide, and finally 1 equiv. sodium thiophenolate in one pot to construct four new bonds in 60% isolated yield over all steps. The highly selective reaction bis(trifluoromethylates) only the 4-position of the quinazoline, leaving the 2- and 6-chlorinated positions intact; quenching with benzyl bromide selectively alkylates the 1-amide, and addition of a second nucleophile provides a thioether in the 2-position, leaving the 6-chlorine available for further modification via catalytic cross-coupling; alternatively, the use of water in place of benzyl bromide allows isolation of the free secondary amine. Monochlorinated triazine reacts analogously, providing the bis(trifluoromethylated) tertiary and secondary amines in high yield. The new reactions, in which HCF₃ is directly transferred to an aromatic substrate, do not occur using previously reported direct HCF₃ activation systems such as KOtBu/HCF₃ in THF or DMF, further highlighting the unique nucleophilic reactivity enabled by 1.

The high cost of trifluoromethylation reagents stems from their multi-step syntheses from the ozone-depleting gas CF₃I. The regeneration of the thermally stable B₃N₃Me₆ Lewis acid in all of the reactions noted above strongly suggested that these popular reagents could be efficiently synthesized using B₃N₃Me₆ as a recyclable component, thereby reducing the reaction inputs to cheap base, HCF₃, and the direct precursor (FIG. 4). Reagents used to install the CF₃ group can be divided between their use for nucleophilic CF₃ ⁻, radical CF₃., and electrophilic CF₃ ⁺ transfer. The most important of these is nucleophilic SiMe₃CF₃, the currently used precursor to almost all other trifluoromethylation reagents. The preparation of this compound demonstrates the practical in-situ recyclability of the Lewis acid on a large scale. Through ten cycles of an iterative addition/distillation protocol, about 5 turnovers with respect to B₃N₃Me₆ was achieved to obtain 34 mmol SiMe₃CF₃ after distillation without the need for separation or purification of the borazine Lewis acid. The only consumed reagents used were NaH, SiMe₃Cl, and HCF₃, likely making this the cheapest approach to the synthesis of SiMe₃CF₃. The radical CF₃. reagent KSO₂CF₃ can also be easily prepared in 66% isolated yield by treating SO₂ with 1 (98% recovery of B₃N₃Me₆).

The hypervalent iodonium-CF3 reagent Togni I, an important CF₃ ⁺ reagent, can be synthesized in 78% chemical yield and with 98% regeneration of B3N3Me6 by treating the iodonium chloride precursor with 1. To demonstrate the potential of this methodology for rapid synthesis of complex biomolecules, an in-situ preparation of Togni I was used for the electrophilic trifluoromethylation of a thiol-functionalized sugar. Conversion to the trifluoromethylated sugar from HCF₃ is complete in 32 minutes, and isolation of the solid product by flash chromatography requires a further 90 minutes (43% isolated). Since HCF₂ ¹⁸F can be easily prepared from K¹⁸F and HCF₂I, this methodology may be useful for the installation of radiolabeled trifluoromethyl groups for medical PET imaging applications. Direct access to these well-established nucleophilic CF₃ ⁻, radical CF₃., and electrophilic CF₃ ⁺ reagents from HCF₃ should help reduce the cost and increase access to the CF₃ group in existing large-scale processes.

The disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following examples which detail exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. They should not, however, be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. All citations throughout the disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES General Considerations:

Hexamethylborazine, (B,B′,B″)trisdimethylamino-(N,N′,N″)trimethylborazine, (B,B′,B″)trismethoxy-(N,N′,N″)trimethylborazine, N,N,N-trimethylborazine, trisethyleneoxyborazine, tris(1,3)propyleneoxyborazine, tris-n-methylethyleneiminoborazine, tris-N-methyl(1,3)propyleneiminoborazine, 1-Chloro-1,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-1,2-benziodoxole, 6-chloro-9-tosyl-9H-purine, 6-chloro-2-fluoro-9-tosyl-9H-purine, 3-nitro-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazole, 2-fluoroquinoline, benzylpotassium, dimsyl potassium, dimsyl sodium, and N-tosylbenzaldimine were prepared according to literature procedures. DMSO, pentane, THF, diethyl ether, glyme, acetonitrile, toluene, and DMF were purified using a Glass Contour solvent purification system through percolation through a Cu catalyst, molecular sieves, and alumina and finally stored over activated molecular sieves for a minimum of 48 hours. Methyl-THF was distilled from molten sodium under nitrogen. All other reagents were used from commercial sources without further purification.

NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Vnmrs 700, Varian Inova 500, or Varian MR400 spectrometer. ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, ¹¹B, and ³¹P shifts are reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to TMS, with the residual solvent peak used as an internal reference. ³¹P, ¹¹B, and ¹⁹F NMR spectra are referenced on a unified scale, where the single primary reference is the frequency of the residual solvent peak in the ¹H NMR spectrum. ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P multiplicities are reported as follows: singlet (s), doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), and multiplet (m). Mass spectra were obtained on an electrospray TOF mass spectrometer. Crystals were mounted on a Rigaku AFC10K Saturn 944+CCD-based X-ray diffractometer equipped with a low temperature device and Micromax-007HF Cu-target micro-focus rotating anode (λ=1.54187 Å) operated at 1.2 kW power (40 kV, 30 mA). The X-ray intensities were measured at 85(1) K with the detector placed at a distance 42.00 mm from the crystal; the data were processed with CrystalClear 2.011 and corrected for absorption. The structures were solved and refined with the Olex2³ software package and ShelXL.⁴

Syntheses

Preparation of M(LA-CF₃) Stock Solutions from HCF₃

K(B(OMe)₃CF₃: B(OMe)₃ (5.0 mmol, 0.56 mL) was dissolved in 21.8 mL DMSO in a 100 mL single-neck round bottom flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar, which was then sealed with a tightly belt-clamped septum. Dimsyl potassium (1.93 M, 5.0 mmol, 2.59 mL) was then rapidly added via syringe, and the mixture vigorously stirred for 15 seconds. Gaseous HCF₃ was then immediately added to the sealed vessel with a 60 mL syringe (6.0 mmol, 148 mL) and continuous efficient stirring. The light yellow homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes. ¹⁹F NMR showed 96% yield of K(B(OMe)₃CF₃. t_(1/2) (¹⁹F NMR, 25° C.): >5 months

K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃: Trisethyleneoxyborazine (10.5 mmol, 2.169 g) was suspended in 43 mL DMSO in a 100 mL single-neck round bottom flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar, which was then sealed with a tightly belt-clamped septum. Dimsyl potassium (1.93 M, 10 mmol, 5.18 mL) was then rapidly added via syringe, and the mixture vigorously stirred for 30 minutes. After this time, the reaction became homogeneous. Gaseous HCF₃ was added to the sealed vessel with a 60 mL syringe (12 mmol, 297 mL) and continuous efficient stirring. The light yellow homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes. 19F NMR showed 99% yield of K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃ (based on KDMSO). t_(1/2) (¹⁹F NMR, 25° C.): >5 months

K(B₃N₃Me₆)CF₃: Hexamethylborazine (2.7 mmol, 0.443 g) was suspended in 13 mL DMSO in a 20 mL single-neck conical flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar, which was then sealed with a tightly belt-clamped septum. Dimsyl potassium (1.80 M, 2.7 mmol, 1.5 mL) was then rapidly added via syringe, and the mixture vigorously stirred for 30 minutes. After this time, the reaction became homogeneous. Gaseous HCF₃ was added to the sealed vessel with a 60 mL syringe (12 mmol, 297 mL) and continuous efficient stirring. The light yellow homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes. ¹⁹F NMR showed >99% yield of K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. t_(1/2) (¹⁹F NMR, 25° C.): 17 days

K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆)CF₃(THF): Hexamethylborazine (2.7 mmol, 0.443 g) and 18-crown-6 (2.7 mmol, 0.712 g) were dissolved in 11 mL THF in a 20 mL single-neck conical flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar. The vessel was then allowed to cool to 0° C. in a glovebox cold-well for one hour with gentle stirring. Benzylpotassium (2.7 mmol, 0.350 g) was then quickly added to this cold solution, and the initial deep red color of dissolved benzylpotassium quickly changed to a faint purple color. The homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes, giving a homogeneous purple solution. The flask was then sealed with a tightly belt-clamped septum. Gaseous HCF₃ was added to the sealed vessel with a 60 mL syringe (3.3 mmol, 75 mL) and continuous efficient stirring. The faint pink homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes. ¹⁹F NMR showed >99% yield of K(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃).

Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation of Organic Compounds with HCF₃-Derived M(LA-CF₃): Condition Screening

To 0.1 mmol of substrate dissolved in 0.5 mL DMSO or THF was added a stock solution of HCF₃ derived CF₃ ⁻ reagent as noted below for each of Methods A-D. NMR spectra were recorded at 30 minute, 1 hour, 5 hour, and 24 hour time points to monitor conversion to trifluoromethylated products.

Method A:

Method B:

Method C:

Method D:

(E)-chalcone

Method A: 30 min: 19%; 5 h: 21%; 72 h: 20%

Method B: 30 min: 58%; 5 h: 37%; 24 h: 6%; 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 19%; 5 h: 17%; 24 h: 5%; 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 3.5%; 5 h: 3.3%; 24 h: 1.7%; 72 h: 0%

1,3-Diphenylprop-2-yn-1-one

Method A: 30 min: 75%; 5 h: 76%; 72 h: 77%

Method B: 30 min: 4.6%; 5 h: 2.0%; 72 h: 0.4%

Method C: 30 min: 9%; 5 h: 8%; 24 h: 7%; 72 h: 5%

Method D: 30 min: 10%; 5 h: 12%; 24 h: 12%; 72 h: 12%

Benzophenone

Method A: 30 min: 75%; 5 h: 76%; 72 h: 77%

Method B: 30 min: 4756%; 5 h: 2.0%; 72 h: 0774%

Method C: 30 min: 9%; 5 h: 8%; 24 h: 7%; 72 h: 5%

Method D: 30 min: 10%; 5 h: 12%; 24 h: 12%; 72 h: 12%

Benzoyl chloride

Method A: 30 min: 90%; 5 h: 95%; 24 h: 93% 72 h: 93%

2 EQ KCF₃: 30 min: 74%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100% 72 h: 100%

2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenylethan-1-one

Method A: 30 min: 100%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100% 72 h: 100%

Method B: 30 min: 92%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 87% 72 h: 90%

Method C: 30 min: 100%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100%; 72 h: 100%

Method D: a) 30 min: 38%; 5 h: 1%; 24 h: 0%; 72 h: 0%

-   -   b) 30 min: 76%; 5 h: 119%; 24 h: 133%; 72 h: 130%

Benzaldehyde

Method A: 30 min: 85%; 5 h: 11%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 80%; 5 h: 71%; 24 h: 77% 72 h: 75%

Method C: 30 min: 95%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100%; 72 h: 98%

Method D: 30 min: 26%; 5 h: 76%; 24 h: 77%; 72 h: 81%

Methyl 4-formylbenzoate

Method A: 30 min: 25%; 5 h: 29%; 24 h: 26% 72 h: 25%

Method B: 30 min: 57%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 93%; 5 h: 92%; 24 h: 92%; 72 h: 79%

Method D: 30 min: 25%; 5 h: 72%; 24 h: 73%; 72 h: 73%

4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde

Method A: 30 min: 88%; 5 h: 86%; 24 h: 80% 72 h: 78%

Method B: 30 min: 57%; 5 h: 32%; 24 h: 52% 72 h: 53%

Method C: 30 min: 56%; 5 h: 59%; 24 h: 51%; 72 h: 42%

Method D: 30 min: 14%; 5 h: 56%; 24 h: 58%; 72 h: 59%

4-formylbenzonitrile

Method A: 30 min: 32%; 5 h: 28%; 24 h: 23% 72 h: 20%

Method B: 30 min: 38%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 88%; 5 h: 88%; 24 h: 84%; 72 h: 62%

Method D: 30 min: 22%; 5 h: 51%; 24 h: 50%; 72 h: 49%

Methyl benzoate

Method A: a) 30 min: 5%; 5 h: 30%; 72 h: 83%

-   -   b) 30 min: 64%; 5 h: 52%; 72 h: 20%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Benzoic anhydride

Method A: 30 min: 54%; 5 h: 58%; 24 h: 58% 72 h: 53%

Method B: 30 min: 20%; 5 h: 25%; 24 h: 27% 72 h: 27%

Method C: 30 min: 39%; 5 h: 35%; 24 h: 41%; 72 h: 41%

Method D: 30 min: 65%; 5 h: 37%; 24 h: 1%; 72 h: 0%

Diphenyl carbonate

Method A: 30 min: 98%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100% 72 h: 100%

Method B: 30 min: 65%; 5 h: 62%; 24 h: 46% 72 h: 32%

Method C: 30 min: 50%; 5 h: 58%; 24 h: 61%; 72 h: 53%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 36%; 24 h: 54%; 72 h: 62%

Isocyanatobenzene

Method A: 30 min: 92%; 5 h: 96%; 24 h: 98% 72 h: 96%

Method B: 30 min: 16%; 5 h: 18%; 24 h: 18% 72 h: 18%

Method C: 30 min: 6%; 5 h: 8%; 24 h: 8%; 72 h: 8%

Method D: 30 min: 0.7%; 5 h: 2.1%; 24 h: 5.0%; 72 h: 7.5%

(E)-N-benzylidene-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide

Method A: 30 min: 99%; 5 h: 99%; 72 h: 99%

Method B: 30 min: 95%; 5 h: 91%; 24 h: 96% 72 h: 93%

Method C: 30 min: 98%; 5 h: 100%; 24 h: 100%; 72 h: 98%

Method D: 30 min: 22%; 5 h: 63%; 24 h: 85%; 72 h: 90%

4-fluorobenzonitrile

Method A: 30 min: 0.5%; 5 h: 1.9%; 24 h: 3.2% 72 h: 3.9%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

2-nitropyridine

Method A: a) 30 min: 21%; 5 h: 30%; 72 h: 32%

-   -   b) 30 min: 21%; 5 h: 21%; 72 h: 31%

Method B: 30 min: 0.1%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

1,2,3,4,5-pentafluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzene

Method A: 30 min: 30%; 5 h: 30%; 72 h: 30%

Method B: 30 min: 25%; 5 h: 20%; 24 h: 20% 72 h: 19%

Method C: 30 min: 15%; 5 h: 22%; 24 h: 17% 72 h: 10%

Method D: 30 min: 14%; 5 h: 21%; 24 h: 19% 72 h: 20%

1,4-dinitrobenzene

Method A: 30 min: 41%; 5 h: 48%; 24 h: 54% 72 h: 58%

Method B: 30 min: 0.1%; 5 h: 0.7%; 24 h: 1.5% 72 h: 1.5%

Method C: 30 min: 15%; 5 h: 19%; 24 h: 24% 72 h: 27%

Method D: 30 min: 0.7%; 5 h: 2%; 24 h: 6% 72 h: 9%

1-fluoro-2-nitrobenzene

Method A: 30 min: 0.5%; 5 h: 1.9%; 24 h: 3.2% 72 h: 3.9%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

4-nitrobenzonitrile

Method A: 30 min: 7.2%; 5 h: 7.2%; 24 h: 7.2% 72 h: 5.6%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

2-nitro-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazole

Method A: 30 min: 1.4%; 5 h: 1.4%; 24 h: 1.4% 72 h: 1.4%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 3.7%; 5 h: 4.9%; 24 h: 5.4% 72 h: 5.0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.5%; 24 h: 1% 72 h: 1%

5-bromo-2-nitropyridine

Method A: 30 min: 8.6%; 5 h: 8.6%; 24 h: 8.6% 72 h: 7.6%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.1%; 24 h: 0.1% 72 h: 0.2%

Method C: 30 min: 3.6%; 5 h: 5.9%; 24 h: 6.4% 72 h: 6.4%

Method D: 30 min: 0.3%; 5 h: 0.8%; 24 h: 1.8% 72 h: 2.8%

3-chloro-2-nitropyridine

Method A: 30 min: 3.7%; 5 h: 3.7%; 24 h: 3.7% 72 h: 3.7%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.5%; 24 h: 0.6% 72 h: 0.6%

Method C: 30 min: 3.0%; 5 h: 5.1%; 24 h: 5.2% 72 h: 5.4%

Method D: 30 min: 0.3%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

3-ethoxy-2-nitropyridine

Method A: 30 min: 3%; 5 h: 4%; 24 h: 7% 72 h: 10%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole

Method A: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Pyridine 1-oxide

Method A: 30 min: 3%; 5 h: 9%; 72 h: 20%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.2%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine

Method A: 30 min: 23%; 5 h: 0%; 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 10%; 5 h: 10%; 24 h: 10%

Method C: 30 min: 15%; 5 h: 15%; 24 h: 16% 72 h: 14%

Method D: 30 min: 14%; 5 h: 15%; 24 h: 13% 72 h: 14%

2-chloro-5-nitropyridine

Method A: a) 30 min: 24%; 5 h: 29%; 72 h: 3%

-   -   b) 30 min: 1⁸%; 5 h: 22%; 72 h: 15%

Method B: a) 30 min: 22%; 5 h: 24%; 24 h: 24% 72 h: 23%

-   -   b) 30 min: 12%; 5 h: 13%; 24 h: 13% 72 h: 13%

Method C: a) 30 min: 41%; 5 h: 44%; 24 h: 45% 72 h: 45%

-   -   b) 30 min: 34%; 5 h: 36%; 24 h: 37% 72 h: 37%

Method D: a) 30 min: 5%; 5 h: 12%; 24 h: 1⁸% 72 h: 19%

-   -   b) 30 min: 6%; 5 h: 15%; 24 h: 22% 72 h: 24%

2-fluoro-5-nitropyridine

Method A: a) 30 min: 50%; 5 h: 51%; 72 h: 47%

-   -   b) 30 min: 36%; 5 h: 24%; 72 h: 10%

Method B: a) 30 min: 61%; 5 h: 58%; 24 h: 58% 72 h: 56%

-   -   b) 30 min: 21%; 5 h: 17%; 24 h: 12% 72 h: 12%

Method C: a) 30 min: 47%; 5 h: 50%; 24 h: 50% 72 h: 50%

-   -   b) 30 min: 17%; 5 h: 17%; 24 h: 17% 72 h: 17%

Method D: a) 30 min: 6%; 5 h: 6%; 24 h: 5% 72 h: 4%

-   -   b) 30 min: 11%; 5 h: 20%; 24 h: 24% 72 h: 25%

2-fluoroquinoline

Method A: 30 min: 2.3%; 5 h: 8.4%; 72 h: 13%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 1%; 24 h: 2% 72 h: 3%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.6%; 24 h: 1.2% 72 h: 1.4%

6-chloro-N²-ethyl-N4-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine

Method A: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

2,4-dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine

Method A: 30 min: 22%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 69%; 5 h: 69%; 24 h: 31% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 58%; 5 h: 79%; 24 h: 78% 72 h: 56%

Method D: 30 min: 5%; 5 h: 13%; 24 h: 26% 72 h: 36%

2,4-dichloroquinazoline

Method A: 30 min: 100%; 5 h: 98%; 24 h: 100% 72 h: 95%

Method B: 30 min: 75%; 5 h: 70%; 24 h: 70% 72 h: 66%

Method C: 30 min: 59%; 5 h: 63%; 24 h: 62% 72 h: 61%

Method D: 30 min: 16%; 5 h: 50%; 24 h: 56% 72 h: 46%

2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine

Method A: 30 min: 17%; 5 h: 19%; 24 h: 18% 72 h: 18%

2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine

Method A: a) 30 min: 87%; 5 h: 91%; 24 h: 79%; 72 h: 41%

-   -   b) 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 3.2%; 72 h: 41%

Method B: a) 30 min: 61%; 5 h: 39%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

-   -   b) 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 12%; 24 h: 32% 72 h: 24%

Method C: a) 30 min: 44%; 5 h: 54%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

-   -   b) 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 52% 72 h: 51%

Method D: a) 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 2%; 24 h: 6% 72 h: 6.2%

6-chloro-9-tosyl-9H-purine

Method A: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0.4%; 24 h: 2.1% 72 h: 5.2%

Method B: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 5%; 5 h: 4%; 24 h: 3% 72 h: 1%

Method D: 30 min: 24%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

6-chloro-2-fluoro-9-tosyl-9H-purine

Method A: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 8%; 5 h: 8%; 24 h: 8% 72 h: 8%

Method C: 30 min: 9%; 5 h: 24 h: 12% 72 h: 14%

Method D: 30 min: 5 h: 22%; 24 h: 1⁸% 72 h: 13%

4-bromobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate

Method A: 30 min: 5%; 5 h: 5%; 72 h: 0%

Method B: 30 min: 3%; 5 h: 5%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method C: 30 min: 13%; 5 h: 24%; 24 h: 30% 72 h: 30%

Method D: 30 min: 61%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

(Bromomethyl)benzene

Method A: 30 min: 12%; 5 h: 12%; 72 h: 12%

Method B: 30 min: 2%; 5 h: 2%; 24 h: 2% 72 h: 2%

Method C: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Method D: 30 min: 0%; 5 h: 0%; 24 h: 0% 72 h: 0%

Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation of Inorganic Compounds with M(LA-CF₃): Condition Screening

General Protocol: To 0.1 mmol of substrate dissolved in 0.5 mL DMSO or THF was added K(B₃N₃Me₆)CF₃ of HCF₃ derived CF₃ ⁻ reagent as a solution in matching solvent. NMR spectra were recorded at 30 minute, 1 hour, 5 hour, and 24 hour time points to monitor conversion to trifluoromethylated products. In the table below, as well as in FIG. 2, representative values for the following reactions are provided:

Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation of Organic Compounds with M(LA-CF₃): Isolated Compounds and Characterization

General Protocol: An appropriate quantity of a 0.2 M stock solution of K(LA-CF₃) was added to a 0.2 M solution of substrate in a 20 mL scintillation vial. The mixture was then stirred until the reaction was complete, then quenched with the addition of 15 mL of 5% aqueous HCl or saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. The product was then extracted into DCM (5×3 mL DCM) and the organic phase dried with a minimum quantity of MgSO₄. The dried organic phase was then filtered, concentrated to 1 mL, then purified by silica chromatography using a Biotage Isolera automated flash chromatography apparatus. The collected fractions were concentrated by rotary evaporation and under high vacuum to afford the pure products.

1-Phenyl-1-trifluoromethylmethanol

Substrate: Benzaldehyde. Conditions: LA: K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hour. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 100% DCM, 9 column volumes, 10 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 62 mg colorless oil, 88%. Due to the volatile nature of the product it could not be dried under high vacuum. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.46 (ß, 2H, m), 7.41 (α, γ, 3H, m), 4.98 (ε, 1H, (q, J_(1H-19F)=6.7)), 2.88 (ζ, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 133.92, 129.53, 128.60, 127.41, 124.22 (q, J_(13C-19F)=282), 72.79 (q, J_(13C-19F)=32). ¹⁹F-NMR: −78.36 (d, J_(19F-1H)=6.7). HRMS (ESI−): 221.0435 (M+HCO₂: 221.0431).

1,1-bistrifluoromethyl-1-phenylmethanol

Substrate: 2,2,2-trifluoromethylacetophenone. Conditions: LA: K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 5 hours. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% Hexane/ethyl acetate, 8 column volumes, 10 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 83.6 mg colorless oil. Due to the volatile nature of the product, it was not dried under high vacuum and was therefore isolated as a mixture with ethyl acetate: 58% 1,1-bistrifluoromethyl-1-phenylethanol, 42% ethyl acetate. 50% yield. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.72 (γ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.6)), 7.48 (α, ß, 3H, m), 3.72 (ε, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 129.99, 129.90, 128.42, 126.59, 122.75 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288). ¹⁹F-NMR: −75.51 (s). HRMS (ESI−): 244.0323 (M+H: 244.0250).

Methyl 4-(trifluoro-1-ethanol)benzoate

Substrate: Methyl 4-formyl benzoate. Conditions: LA: K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hours. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% Hexane/ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 50 g SiO₂, flow rate 0.5 column volume per minute. 56 mg white solid, 60%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 8.00 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.1)), 7.54 (γ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.9)), 5.08 (ε, 1H, (q, J_(1H-19F)=6.7)), 3.89 (α, 3H, s), 3.72 (ζ, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 167.00, 139.02, 130.83, 129.69, 127.51, 124.02 (q, J_(13C-19F)=282), 72.25 (q, J_(13C-19F)=32), 52.39. ¹⁹F-NMR: −78.18 (d, J_(19F-1H)=6.7). HRMS (ESI−): 235.0573 (M−H: 235.0577).

4-(trifluoro-1-ethanol)benzonitrile

Substrate: 4-formyl-benzonitrile. Conditions: LA: K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hours. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% DCM/ethyl acetate, 8 column volumes, 10 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 39 mg white solid, 48%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.68 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.2)), 7.63 (α, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.1)), 5.11 (γ, 1H, (p, J_(1H-19F)=6.2)), 3.44 (ε, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=4.6))). ¹³C-NMR: 139.19, 132.28, 128.27, 123.78 (q, J_(13C-19F)=282), 118.27, 112.94, 72.25 (q, J_(13C-19F)=32). ¹⁹F-NMR: −78.18 (d, J_(19F-1H)=6.4). HRMS (ESI−): 200.0322 (M−H: 200.0329).

N-tosyl-1-trifluoromethyl-benzylamine

Substrate: N-tosylbenzaldimine. Conditions: LA: K(BOCH₂CH₂N)₃CF₃. 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hours. Quench: saturated NH₄Cl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% hexane/DCM, then 0-100% DCM/ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 86 mg white solid, 65%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.60 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.2)), 7.18 (ß, α, 7H, m), 6.16 (ε, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=9.1)), 4.91 (γ, 1H, (p, J_(1H-19F)=7.7)), 2.34 (η, 3H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 143.74, 136.89, 131.79, 129.46, 129.19, 128.74, 127.76, 126.92, 123.89 (q, J_(13C-19F)=282), 59.18 (q, J_(13C-19F)=32), 21.43. ¹⁹F-NMR: −74.02 (d, J_(19F-1H)=7.4). HRMS (ESI−): 328.0624 (M−H: 328.0625).

1-(Trans)-phenylethenyl-1-phenyl-trifluoromethylcarbinol

Substrate: Trans-chalcone. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.80 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 10 minutes. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% hexane ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 190 mg colorless oil, 84%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.69 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.7)), 7.45 (ß, α, 5H, m), 7.38 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)), 7.33 (α, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.3)), 6.91 (γ, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=16.1)), 6.77 (γ, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=16.1)), 2.79 (ε, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 137.40, 135.51, 133.58, 128.84, 128.76, 128.67, 128.41, 126.95, 126.84, 126.46, 125.08 (q, J_(13C-19F)=286), 77.34 (q, J_(13C-19F)=29). ¹⁹F-NMR: −78.46 (s). HRMS (EI+): 278.919 (M+: 278.0918).

1-Phenylethynyl-1-phenyl-trifluoromethylcarbinol

Substrate: Diphenylpropynone. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF): 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 16 hours. Quench: saturated NH₄Cl. Chromatography conditions: 0-30% hexane ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 50 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 45 mg orange oil, 42%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.83 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=4.8)), 7.56 (ß, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=4.8)), 7.46 (α, ß, 3H, m), 7.42 (α, 1H, (p, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)), 7.37 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)), 3.15 (ε, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 135.26, 132.06, 129.55, 129.53, 128.47, 128.25, 127.19, 123.39 (q, J_(13C-19F)=286), 120.93, 88.09, 84.40, 73.36 (q, J_(13C-19F)=33). ¹⁹F-NMR: −80.29 (s). HRMS (ESI−): 275.0683 (M−H: 275.0684).

1-(Anthracen-9-yl)-1,1-bistrifluoromethylcarbinol

Substrate: Anthracen-9-yl trifluoromethyl ketone. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 2.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hour. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% hexane ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 120 mg yellow crystals, 87%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 9.02 (α, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=9.3)), 8.55 (α, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=9.3)), 8.51 (γ, 1H, s), 7.99 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=9.5)), 7.59 (ß, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=8.3)), 7.49 (α, ß, 3H, m), 3.98 (ε, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 134.06, 133.11, 132.46, 132.41, 131.38, 131.15, 129.39, 129.11, 127.34, 126.71, 125.98, 124.78, 124.61, 123.94 (q, J_(13C-19F)=290), 121.94, 83.46 (p, J_(13C-19F)=31). ¹⁹F-NMR: −69.31 (s). HRMS (ES+): 344.0630 (M+: 344.0636).

Phenyl trifluoroacetamide

Substrate: Phenyl isocyanate. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.80 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 1 hour. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 10-50% hexane/DCM, 8 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 91 mg white solid, 61%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 8.03 (ε, 1H, s), 7.54 (γ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.7)), 7.46 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=8.0), 7.23 (α, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)). ¹³C-NMR: 154.87 (q, J_(13C-19F)=37), 135.04, 129.33, 126.39, 120.56, 115.72 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288). ¹⁹F-NMR: −75.80 (s). HRMS (ES+): 189.0401 (M+: 189.0401).

4,4-Bistrifluoromethyl-2-chloro-3-hydroquinazoline

Substrate: Dichloroquinazoline. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 1.5 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.80 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 30 minutes. Quench: 10 mL 5% NaOH, then brought to pH 7 with glacial acetic acid. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% hexane/ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 146 mg light yellow solid, 60%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 8.22 (η, 1H, s), 7.58 (α, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.0)), 7.41 (ß, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.7), 7.22 (ß, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.7)), 6.88 (ζ, 1H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.0)). ¹³C-NMR: 145.84 (3), 135.58 (4), 131.34 (6), 128.19 (8), 125.66 (7), 122.42 (1, q, J_(13C-19F)=288), 115.09 (5), 108.67 (9), 73.36 (2, p, J_(13C-19F)=29). ¹⁹F-NMR: −73.73 (s). HRMS (ESI+): 303.0114 (M+H: 303.0124).

Assignment of the trifluoromethyl group was made based on crosspeaks in 2D NMR experiments and a septet in the 1D carbon NMR spectrum. HSQC was used to identify the carbon atoms associated with hydrogen atoms α, ß, ε, and ζ. ¹⁹F-¹³C HMBC was then used to identify one bond coupling with carbon 1, two bond coupling with carbon 2, four bond coupling with carbon 3, and four bond coupling with carbon 8. Carbon 3 was assigned based on its lack of long-range coupling with any protons and high shift. The positions of carbons 9 and 4 were assigned based on their long-range coupling with hydrogen atoms α, ß, ε, and ζ. The position of carbon 8 was based on its proximity to the ¹⁹F group. Finally, the position of acidic hydrogen η and confirmation of the above assignment was obtained through single-crystal X-Ray diffraction.

1-Trifluoromethyl-4-nitrobenzene

Substrate: 1,4-Dinitrobenzene. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 2 hour. Quench: pure water. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% Hexane/DCM, 8 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 64 mg white solid, 42%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 8.34 (α, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.4)), 7.84 (α, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.5)). ¹³C-NMR: 150.00, 136.06 (q, J_(13C-19F)=33), 126.77 (q, J_(13C-19F)=3), 124.07, 122.94 (q, J_(13C-19F)=273), 73.36 (q, J_(13C-19F)=33). ¹⁹F-NMR: −63.19 (s). HRMS (ES+): 191.0195 (M+: 191.0194).

2,4-Phenoxy-6,6-bistrifluoromethyl-3-hydro-triazine

Substrate: 2,4-diphenoxy-6-chlorotriazine. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 2.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 2 hour. Quench: pure water. Chromatography conditions: 0-50% Hexane/Ethyl acetate, 8 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 123 mg white solid, 76%. ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): 12.36 (ε, 1H, s), 7.84 (ß, 2H, (t, 4H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.8)), 7.27 (α, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.3)), 7.21 (γ, 4H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.0)). ¹³C-NMR (DMSO-d₆): 155.74, 151.04, 130.12, 126.60, 122.09 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288), 121.63, 81.02 (p, J_(13C-19F)=29.5). ¹⁹F-NMR: −79.44 (s). HRMS (ES+): 403.0759 (M+: 403.0755).

2,4-Phenoxy-6,6-bistrifluoromethyl-3-benzyl-triazine

Substrate: 2,4-diphenoxy-6-chlorotriazine. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 2.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 30 minutes. Quench: 1 equiv. benzyl bromide was added under nitrogen, then the reaction stirred for 16 hours at 25° C. The reaction mixture was then quenched with 10 mL pure water. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% Hexane/Ethyl acetate, 16 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 108 mg white solid, 55%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.37 (α, 10H, m), 7.24 (ε, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)), 7.11 (γ, 3H, m), 5.21 (ß, 2H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 153.07, 151.25, 136.53, 129.33, 128.92, 127.95, 126.86, 126.02, 121.59 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288), 121.11, 78.83 (p, J_(13C-19F)=30.3), 46.00. ¹⁹F-NMR: −80.41 (s). HRMS (ES+): 493.1229 (M+: 493.1225).

Triisopropylsilyl Hexafluoro-2-phenoxypropan-2-ol

Substrate: Diphenylcarbonate. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 2.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 30 minutes. Quench: 2.0 equivalents triisopropylsilyl chloride were added, then the reaction stirred for 16 hours at 25° C. The reaction mixture was then quenched with 10 mL pure water. Chromatography conditions: 100% Hexane, 4 column volumes, 100 g SiO₂, flow rate 0.5 column volume per minute; chromatography repeated six times to remove triisopropylsilyl phenol, keeping pure fractions. 102 mg colorless oil, 61%. Boiling point: 65° C. at 0.080 Torr. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.32 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=8.4)), 7.19 (α, 3H, m), 1.14 (γ, 3H, m), 1.05 (ε, 18H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.2)). ¹³C-NMR: 151.46, 129.07, 125.80, 123.58, 120.73 (q, J_(13C-19F)=293), 95.20 (p, J_(13C-19F)=32.8), 17.43, 13.07. ¹⁹F-NMR: −76.97 (s). HRMS (ES+): 373.1061 (M-C₃H₇ ⁺: 373.1059).

1,1-bistrifluoromethyl-1-(4-phenyl)phenyl-methanol

Substrate: Biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 2.2 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 16 hours. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-20% Hexane/Ethyl acetate, 8 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 107 mg white solid, 84%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.82 (ε, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.1)), 7.71 (δ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.2)), 7.64 (γ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.8)), 7.49 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.5)), 7.41 (α, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.3)), 3.38 (ζ, 1H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 143.16, 139.88, 128.90, 128.06, 127.94, 127.30, 127.20, 126.94, 122.65 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288), 77.18 (p, J_(13C-19F)=30.3) (overlap with CDCl₃). ¹⁹F-NMR: −75.58 (s). HRMS (ES+): 320.0636 (M-C₃H₇ ⁺: 320.0636).

1,1-Bistrifluoromethyl-1-(4-phenyl)phenyl-methanol

Substrate: Methyl biphenyl-4-carboxylate. Conditions: LA: K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF). 1.0 equivalents K(LA-CF₃) used. 0.40 mmol substrate. Reaction time: 30 minutes. Quench: 5% HCl. Chromatography conditions: 0-100% Hexane/Ethyl acetate, 8 column volumes, 25 g SiO₂, flow rate 1 column volume per minute. 29 mg white solid, 29%. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 8.17 (ε, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.0)), 7.78 (δ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=8.4)), 7.66 (γ, 2H, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.1)), 7.51 (ß, 2H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.6)), 7.45 (α, 1H, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)). ¹³C-NMR: 180.07 (q, J_(13C-19F)=35.0), 148.21, 139.11, 130.72, 129.11, 128.89, 128.56, 127.63, 127.34, 116.76 (q, J_(13C-19F)=291). ¹⁹F-NMR: −71.35 (s). HRMS (ES+): 250.0611 (M+: 250.0605).

1-benzyl-6-chloro-2-(phenylthio)-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-14-dihydroquinazoline

Substrate: Trichloroquinazoline. Experimental: Trichloroquinazoline (0.4 mmol, 93.4 mg) was combined with 2 equivalents K(18-crown-6)(B₃N₃Me₆CF₃)(THF) (0.8 mmol, 4 mL, 0.2M solution in THF) and stirred for 30 minutes at 25° C. One equivalent benzyl bromide (0.4 mmol, 68.4 mg) was then added, and the mixture stirred at 70° C. for 24 hours. The reaction was then cooled to 25° C., and 1 equivalent sodium thiophenolate (0.4 mmol, 52.8 mg) was added. The reaction was then heated to 70° C. and stirred for 24 hours. The THF solvent was then removed by rotary evaporation, and the crude solid purified by flash chromatography (conditions: 25 g SiO₂ column, 0-50% DCM/Hexane over 16 column volumes at a flow rate of 1 column volume per minute) to afford 120 mg of white solid (60%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.55 (η, 2H, overlap), 7.54 (1H, α, overlap), 7.41 (5H, χ, τ, ζ, overlap), 7.34 (1H, σ, (t, J_(1H-1H)=7.4)), 7.28 (2H, ε, (d, J_(1H-1H)=7.7)), 7.24 (1H, (d(d), (J_(1H-1H)=8.8, 2.1)), 6.75 (1H, γ, (d, J_(1H-1H)=9.0)), 5.27 (2H, δ, s). ¹³C-NMR: 158.99, 136.80, 135.69, 134.95, 130.81, 129.48, 129.37, 129.21, 128.73, 128.08, 127.93, 125.76, 122.46 (q, J_(13C-19F)=288), 115.67, 113.23, 66.80 (p, J_(13C-19F)=28.7), 50.36. ¹⁹F-NMR: −73.92 (s). HRMS (ESI+): 501.0619 (M+H: 501.0621).

Small Molecules

Potassium Trifluoroacetate

K(B₃N₃Me₆)CF₃ (2 mmol, 0.2 M stock in DMSO) was placed in a Fisher-Porter tube with a small stirbar. The vessel was charged with 60 psi carbon dioxide, and stirred. A pressure drop to 56 psi was observed along with the precipitation of copious white solid. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. After this time, the reaction mixture was extracted with pentane (3×10 mL). The combined pentane extracts were dried over anhydrous calcium chloride to remove trace DMSO, then filtered and evaporated under high vacuum to afford hexamethylborazine in 95% yield (314 mg, 1.91 mmol). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 2.86 (α, 9H, s), 0.47 (ß, 9H, s). ¹³C-NMR: 34.52, 0.03 (broad). ¹¹B-NMR: 36.52 (s). HRMS (ES+): 165.1781 (M+: 165.1780).

Recovered Hexamethylborazine:

The DMSO phase was evaporated overnight at 25° C. in a sublimation apparatus with a coldfinger cooled to 2° C. under dynamic vacuum (0.1 mTorr). The residual solid was then extracted into water, and this was then carefully dried in a scintillation vial to give potassium trifluoroacetate as an off-white solid in 93% yield (285 mg, 1.86 mmol). ¹³C{¹⁹F}-NMR (D₂O): 162.90, 116.32. ¹⁹F-NMR (D₂O): −75.40 (s).

Potassium Trifluoroacetate:

Trimethylsilyl CF₃:

Hexamethylborazine (7.7 mmol, 1.262 g) and 15-crown-5 (7.7 mmol, 1.696 g) were suspended in 37 mL DMSO in a 500 mL schlenk flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar, valved stopcock topped with a septum, and a valved sidearm connected to a series of traps held at 0° C., −80° C., −120° C., and −200° C. which were connected to a vacuum line. The following operations were then carried out:

Step 1: NaDMSO (7.0 mmol, 1.7M, 4.2 mL) was then added, and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes to generate Na(15-crown-5)(B₃N₃Me₆) DMSO. Step 2: HCF₃ (220 mL, 1.2 equiv., 8.4 mmol) was then added to the reaction at 15° C. over the course of 5 minutes. The reaction was then stirred for 5 minutes. Step 3: TMSCl (7.6 mmol, 0.964 mL) was then added to the reaction over the course of 1 minute, then stirred for four minutes. Step 4: The inert gases in the apparatus were withdrawn through the series of low temperature traps until a static vacuum of 0.070 mTorr or better was obtained. The volatiles were distilled under vacuum with the reaction flask held at 15° C. for 30 minutes, then for a further hour with the reaction flask held at 25° C.

Steps 1 through 4 were then repeated ten times. The contents of the −80° C. and −120° C. traps were then combined and analyzed by ¹H NMR, which showed 49% conversion of all TMSCl used to TMSCF₃ and 51% conversion of TMSCl to TMS₂O. These were then separated to provide 2.82 g of pure TMSCF₃ (27% isolated yield) as a colorless oil via fractional distillation (b.p.: 54° C.).

KSO₂CF₃:

Hexamethylborazine (7.7 mmol, 1.262 g) was suspended in 37 mL DMSO in a 500 mL schlenk flask. KDMSO (7.0 mmol, 2.0 M) was then added, and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes to generate K(B₃N₃Me₆) DMSO. Step 2: HCF₃ (220 mL, 1.2 equiv., 8.4 mmol) was then added to the reaction at 25° C. over the course of 5 minutes. The reaction was then stirred for 5 minutes. SO₂ (220 mL, 1.2 equiv., 8.4 mmol) was then added to the reaction over the course of 1 minute, then stirred for four minutes. Hexamethylborazine was recovered from the reaction mixture by extraction with pentane in 98% yield. The DMSO was then removed by vacuum distillation to provide KSO₂CF₃ in >95% yield with 20% contamination with DMSO. This solid was then washed with DCM to provide 966 mg of KSO₂CF₃ in 80% yield.

Togni Reagent 1:

Hexamethylborazine (2.7 mmol, 0.443 g) and 18-crown-6 (2.7 mmol, 0.712 g) were dissolved in 11 mL THF in a 20 mL single-neck conical flask equipped with a large teflon-coated magnetic stirbar. The vessel was then allowed to cool to 0° C. in a glovebox cold-well for one hour with gentle stirring. Benzylpotassium (2.7 mmol, 0.350 g) was then quickly added to this cold solution, and the initial deep red color of dissolved benzylpotassium quickly changed to a faint purple color. The homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes, giving a homogeneous purple solution. The flask was then sealed with a tightly belt-clamped septum. Gaseous HCF₃ was added to the sealed vessel with a 60 mL syringe (3.3 mmol, 75 mL) and continuous efficient stirring. The faint pink homogeneous solution was stirred for 10 minutes. 1 equivalent 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-1λ-benzo[d][1,2]iodaoxole was then added to the reaction mixture dissolved in THF at 0° C. The reaction mixture was then evaporated, reconstituted in 10 mL acetonitrile, and the hexamethylborazine recovered via extraction with pentane. The residue was then evaporated and subjected to sublimation, with the product iodonium CF₃ salt subliming at 40° C. to provide the product. 

What is claimed:
 1. A complex having a structure of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5-7-membered ring; R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5-membered ring; Y is C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl; and M comprises a counterion.
 2. The complex of claim 1, wherein R¹ is NR³R⁴.
 3. The complex of claim 2, wherein R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl.
 4. The complex of claim 1, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy.
 5. The complex of claim 4, wherein R¹ is methoxy.
 6. The complex of claim 1, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl.
 7. The complex of claim 6, wherein R¹ is methyl.
 8. The complex of any one of claims 1-7, wherein R² is C₁₋₄alkyl.
 9. The complex of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring.
 10. The complex of claim 9, wherein R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring.
 11. The complex of claim 9 or 10, wherein the ring is substituted.
 12. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 11 which is chiral.
 13. The complex of claim 10, wherein R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—.
 14. The complex of claim 1, wherein R¹ is CH₃, OCH₃, N(CH₃)₂, or R¹ and R² taken together are —CH₂CH₂O—.
 15. The complex of any one of claims 1-14, wherein Y comprises one or more ¹⁸F.
 16. The complex of any one of claims 1-15, wherein Y is C₁₋₃perfluoroalkyl.
 17. The complex of claim 16, wherein Y is CF₃, CHF₂, or C₂F₅.
 18. The complex of claim 16, wherein Y is CF₃.
 19. The complex of any of claims 1-18, wherein M comprises Na, K, Rb, Cs, or NH₄.
 20. The complex of any one of claims 1-19, further comprising a crown ether.
 21. The complex of claim 20, wherein the crown ether is 18-crown-6 or 15-crown-5.
 22. The complex of any one of claims 1 and 16-21 having a structure selected from the group consisting of:


23. A method comprising: contacting a base, a Lewis acid, and H—C₁₋₈perfluoroalkane to form a complex of the Lewis acid and —C₁₋₈perfluoroalkane; wherein the Lewis acid is B(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃ or has a structure of formula (II):

R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy, aryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, or NR³R⁴; R² is C₁₋₈alkyl, aryl, or C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; or R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-7-membered ring; and R³ and R⁴ are each independently H or C₁₋₈alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together with the N forms a 3-5 membered ring.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the base is KDMSO, NaDMSO, KOC(CH₃)₃, KCH₂Ph, KH, NaH, or a mixture thereof.
 25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the base comprises KDMSO.
 26. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the base comprises NaDMSO.
 27. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein R¹ is NR³R⁴.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein R³ and R⁴ are each C₁₋₈alkyl.
 29. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkoxy.
 30. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₈alkyl.
 31. The method of any one of claims 23-30, wherein R² is C₁₋₄alkyl.
 32. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-6-membered ring.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein R¹ and R² taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered ring.
 34. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein the Lewis acid is


35. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein the Lewis acid is


36. The method of claim 35, wherein the Lewis acid is


37. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein the Lewis acid is B(OMe)₃.
 38. The method of any one of claims 23-37, further comprising perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl)(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.
 39. The method of any one of claims 23-37, further comprising perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or [B(C₁₋₈perfluoroalkyl)(C₁₋₈alkoxy)₃]⁻ with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate.
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising oxidizing the perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroheteraromatic compound.
 41. The method of claim 39, further comprising admixing the perfluoroalkylated aromatic or heteroaromatic anionic intermediate and an electrophile to form a dearomatized product substituted with (i) a substituent from the electrophile and (ii) a perfluoroalkyl group.
 42. The method of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is activated by a Lewis acid.
 43. The method of any one of claims 38-42, wherein the heteroaromatic compound comprises a pyridine, quinoline, pyrimidine, or triazine ring.
 44. The method of any one of claims 38-43, wherein the Lewis acid is regenerated.
 45. The method of any one of claims 23-37, further comprising reacting the complex with a reagent to form a perfluoroalkylating reagent and regenerate the Lewis acid.
 46. The method of claim 44 or 45, further comprising isolating the regenerated Lewis acid.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the isolating comprises extraction.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the isolating comprises distillation.
 49. The method of any one of claims 45-48, wherein the reagent is selected from the group consisting of P(Ar)₂L, Pd(TMEDA)(Ar)L, ZnL₂, Zn(TMEDA)L₂, Bi(L)₃, Ph₂S₂, Ph₂Se₂, LCN, CO₂, CuL, AgL, SnMe₃L, PbMe₃L, Au(iPr)L, S₈, trialkylsilyl-L, SO₂, an iodonium(III) reagent, Te, and Se; each L independently is Cl, Br, I, NO₃, OSO₂Ar, or OSO₂CF₃; and Ar is aryl.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the iodonium reagent is


51. The method of claim 50, wherein the perfluoroalkylating reagent is


52. The method of any one of claims 45-49, wherein the perfluoroalkylating reagent is P(Ar)₂CF₃, Zn(CF₃)₂, Pd(TMEDA)(Tol)CF3, CuCF₃, AgCF₃, SnMe₃CF₃, SiMe₃CF₃, PbMe₃CF₃, Au(iPr)CF₃, Zn(TMEDA)(CF₃)₂, Bi(CF₃)₂Cl, PhSCF₃, PhSeCF₃, BrCF₃, CO₂CF₃ ⁻, SO₂CF₃ ⁻, SCF₃ ⁻, TeCF₃ ⁻ or SeCF₃ ⁻.
 53. The method of any one of claims 23-52, wherein the contacting or reacting occurs in a polar, aprotic solvent.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the polar, aprotic solvent comprises DMSO.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein the polar, aprotic solvent comprises THF.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein the polar, aprotic solvent comprises an ether.
 57. The method of any one of claims 23-56, wherein the contacting and/or reacting is at a temperature of −10 to 30° C.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the temperature is 20-25° C.
 59. The method of any one of claims 23-58, wherein the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane is HC₁₋₃perfluoroalkane.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the HC₁₋₈ perfluororalkane is fluoroform.
 61. The method of claim 59, wherein the HC₁₋₈ perfluororalkane is difluoromethane.
 62. The method of any one of claims 23-61, wherein the HC₁₋₈ perfluoroalkane comprises one or more ¹⁸F.
 63. The method of any one of claims 40-62, further comprising perfluoroalkylating an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound by admixing the perfluoroalkylating reagent of any one of claims 44 or 45 with the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound to form a perfluoroalkylaromatic or perfluoroalkylheteroaromatic compound.
 64. The method of claim 38 or 63, wherein the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is an NO₂- or Cl-substituted aromatic compound (Ar—NO₂ or Ar—Cl) or NO₂- or Cl-substituted heteroaromatic compound (Het-NO₂ or Het-Cl) which is then substituted for the perfluoroalkyl group to form Ar-perfluoroalkyl or Het-perfluoroalkyl.
 65. The method of claim 63, wherein the Ar—Cl or Het-Cl, at the chloro carbon, is disubstituted with the perfluoroalkylating reagent as shown in the scheme below


66. The method of any one of claims 23-62, further comprising perfluoroalkylating a carbonyl or imine compound by admixing the complex of any one of claims 1 to 20 or the perfluoroalkylating reagent of claims 44 or 45 with the carbonyl or imine compound to form a perfluoroalkylated alcohol or perfluoroalkylated amine as shown in the scheme below:

and R^(a) is H or a C₁₋₈alkyl.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is an aldehyde.
 68. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is a ketone.
 69. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is an isocyanate or isothiocyanate.
 70. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is an acid chloride.
 71. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is a carbonate.
 72. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is an acid anhydride.
 73. The method of claim 66, wherein the carbonyl compound is an ester.
 74. The method of claim 66, wherein R^(a) is H.
 75. The method of claim 66, wherein R^(a) is C₁₋₈alkyl. 